The art of styling open shelves in your kitchen

The art of styling open shelves in your kitchen

Open shelves or floating shelves as they are sometimes called are a kitchen design trend that is here to stay. You can find them in kitchens of nearly every style, usually stacked with an artfully curated selection of dishware and accessories. Open shelves provide an opportunity to show off your personality in the kitchen, but figuring out how to turn your jumble of plates and mugs into a cohesive display can be daunting.  There is not wrong or right way to display your best, but I do have great tips!

I honestly think nothing updates and opens up and older out dated kitchen than strategically removing some old boxy uppers and adding in, light and open shelving.

1. Simplify Your Collection

Open shelves should be reserved for a thoughtful selection of items. Assess your dishware collection and pull out the essentials you actually use every day, such as plates, bowls, mugs, and glasses. Storing these items on open shelves allows quick access to the dishware you use the most, ensuring your display is functional.

To avoid an overcrowded look, resist the urge to use up all available space for storage. Find another home for spare dishes and anything you’d rather not display.

2. Mix it Up

  • Combine everyday dishware with accessories to create a more interesting arrangement. Add items that can add dimension and personality to kitchen floating shelves. These things can include a potted plant, books, trays, candles, wine, and other decorative accents that coordinate with your kitchen’s color palette. You can add color or keep it all very neutral, either way it works!

3. Work In Sections

  • When it comes to the flow of your shelves, we recommend working in sections. This will help you add in decor and dishes without making it seem off balance. We also recommend considering ease of access as you decide where to place items on open shelves. For example, dishware you use on a daily basis should be arranged on lower shelves so it’s easy to reach. Reserve the top shelf for lesser-used items like fancy glassware or artwork and accessories that are just for show.

4. Vary Size and Scale

  • Use items in a variety of shapes and sizes to create a more visually interesting arrangement. Start with your largest objects, such as framed art, wood cutting boards, or tall vases, and spread them out across the shelves. Next, fill in the gaps with medium-sized pieces, taking care to space out items with similar colors, patterns, or shapes for a balanced look. Intersperse the display with your smallest accessories to create a layered, collected effect.

    It’s best to leave some space between items so the arrangement doesn’t appear too busy, but feel free to overlap a few pieces for a more casual display. Keep moving things around until you find a combination you like. I love adding in live or even faux plants or even better herbs.

5. Accessorize the Under-Shelf Area

  • Don’t forget about the space underneath when decorating floating kitchen shelves! Use this countertop area to ground the arrangement and complete the look. Lean a few wood cutting boards against the wall for a bit of texture and warmth, or add a cookbook with a bowl of fruit or potted herbs for freshness.

A love for interior design, family and home is something I think I was born with! Home has always my happy place and a place of safety and comfort for my always growing family. I didn’t pursue real estate until later in life, but it’s been a passion for as long as I can remember.
I can sit here and tell you I have strong negotiating skills, local market knowledge, and so forth – and of course, I do – but one thing I want to share with you, the thing that is the most important tool I can provide you in your home sale or purchase is my passion and my love for people.
My focus goes beyond the professionalism, experience and market knowledge, my focus is to facilitate your WHY, selling or buying your WHY is my priority? You need a real estate agent who understands that, and seeks to know the answer to those questions, and all of the other important ones that make buying and selling a reality for you. You don’t need a computer to find your dream house, you need a professional partner who has your best interest at heart from the moment you call to even after we close. I’m doing more than just selling houses, I’m providing you the keys to bring your dreams home.